A Regulator to Fit the Growing Regulatory Consensus

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Public Knowledge supports the creation of a new regulatory agency dedicated to protecting consumers from the consequences (intended or unintended) of tech platforms. The creation of a new agency must be done carefully and with purpose. This agency must have a clear charge from Congress to analyze the entire diverse landscape of tech platforms, not just the dominant firms. The agency must be well stocked with experts in technology, markets, online communications and influence, community building, and the law, and should be empowered with clear rulemaking authority. The agency must have a pro-competition focus not only to protect data portability and broader consumer choice, but also as an acknowledgement that conduct and communities can shift to other platforms based on differing community standards and platform structure.

[Chris Lewis is vice president of Public Knowledge]


A Regulator to Fit the Growing Regulatory Consensus